Planning your estate can be a difficult and stressful time, especially if it’s the first time you’re going through the process, and you have so much to think about and so many important decisions to make. However, with the right estate attorney by your side, things get so much easier.
However, when investing in the professional help of an estate attorney, like the ones at Hampton & Royce, L.C., you’re going to need to the person for the job; which means you need to know what to look for.
Today, we’re going to explore key of the most essential tips you need to know in order to get the right attorney for you.
Look for a Qualified Attorney
This may seem like an obvious point, but it’s also one of the most important. Is the attorney you’re interested in qualified and licensed in estate planning? Don’t be afraid to ask to see a portfolio or qualifications. If the attorney doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, simply go elsewhere.
Avoid Directories with Charges
While there are plenty of attorney directories out there that aim to help you find the estate planning attorney you’ve been looking for, if you’re booking an attorney through these websites or services, they normally slap a big fee on top of the price, in addition to what you’d pay already.
Bear this in mind if you’re looking for an affordable estate planning service.
Don’t Be Sucked in By Bland Copy
No matter what website or attorney office you’re visiting, always make sure you’re zoning in the critical details. Don’t be suckered in by meaningless website copy like ‘you matter to us,’ and ‘we’ll help you protect all of your assets.’
This is the job of an estate planner, so get right into the nitty gritty of what you’re looking for.
Don’t Restrict by Location
Granted, you’re going to want an estate attorney who’s licensed to operate in your state, but there’s no need to restrict yourself to an attorney in your town or county. They could be anywhere in your state.
This is important because the person who best fits your requirements may be just beyond where you’re currently looking. What’s more, this is a good one to remember if you’re not having much luck in your local area. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Did They Go to School?
Another great question to ask a potential estate planning attorney is what law school they attended. It’s easy to look up what kind of school specializes in estate planning and having an attorney on your side who attended one of these schools can be a great advantage.
Do You Attend an Organization?
Definitely ask your potential attorneys this question. As an estate planner, it’s highly recommended that they’re a part of an estate planning organization. This means they’ll attend meetings and stay up to date with the latest changes in the law, giving you the best experience.
A Clear Pricing System
Finally, the last point you’re going to want to consider is the pricing system your proposed attorney has. A good, professional attorney will have a clear pricing system where there are no hidden fees, and they will tell you exactly how much you’re going to have to pay within the first meeting or two.
Summary
As you can see, there are plenty of things to consider when it comes to choosing the estate planning attorney for you. Be organized, be focused and don’t feel like you have to jump in with the first attorney you find, and you’ll be sure to find the one that’s right for you.